OPINION: Disservice to District 2

The Nashville Voice
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OPINION: Disservice to District 2

The most important vote a Councilmember makes is on the City’s budget. That vote sets the priorities for all of Metro Nashville Davidson County. At the Metro Council meeting on Tuesday, June 18, there was contention over a proposed property tax increase.

An increase in property taxes is a double edge sword.

A yes vote, to raise the property tax, would have an adverse impact on the poor, and people struggling to make ends meet and keep their residence in Nashville.

A no vote, not increasing the property tax, means the city loses firefighters, police officers, transit options, and funding for Metro Nashville Public Schools.

So, what does a vote to abstain mean? Why would a Councilmember abstain from the most important vote in their political life? In this case, we are left with questions such as;

Do you support raises for teachers?

We will never know.

Do you support hiring new police officers and providing raises for existing officers?

We will never know.

Do you support hiring new firefighter and providing raises for existing firefighters?

We will never know.

What are the priorities and values of the constituents in the District?

We may never know.

Every Councilmember, whether at-Large or District, is elected to represent the values and priorities of their constituents. Every District Councilmember voted for or against Nashville’s budget. Each voter and constituent was heard as to whether or not to raise property taxes except for one District, District 2.

Is raising property taxes the right thing to do at this time? The Nashville Voice has no opinion. But every constituent, voter, and property owner has a right to have their voice represented by their elected official. This was not the case for those who live in District 2 because Councilmember DeCosta Hastings voted to abstain on the budget.

The abstention from voting shows a lack of leadership. The voice of District 2 was silenced on the most important vote on the council. All of District 2 was relegated to a non-vote on the City’s budget because their representative failed to lead. This is a grave disservice to the constituents.

Every Councilmember is elected to represent the voice of the constituents that elected them. A councilperson listens to their constituents to make a decision to vote for or against legislation. By abstaining to vote, a councilmember renders their district voiceless.

Even Jesus Christ condemns the lukewarm in Revelations by saying, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot… So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Nashville General Hospital Nationally Recognized As An Innovative Healthcare Provider

The Nashville Voice
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Nashville General Hospital Nationally Recognized As An Innovative Healthcare Provider

VITAL2019 is the premier event for hospital and health system leaders nationwide to discuss pivotal issues that impact their vulnerable patients and communities, held in Miami, FL, from June 19-21. Last year, more than 300 presidents, CEOs, chief financial officers, chief medical officers, directors, and others attended the conference.

At this year’s conference, Nashville General Hospital Chief Executive Officer Joseph Webb, D.Sc., FACHE along with Eric Stephens, Chief Analytics Officer and Dorothy Bennett, Chief of Ambulatory Services, will share the hospital’s innovative approach to patient care and integrated care delivery systems.

The Nashville General Hospital trio will present on Thursday, June 20, as part of the conference’s ‘Innovations in Healthcare’ track. The session will discuss how the hospital used the patient-centered medical home model – informed by the Chronic Care Model (CCM), an evidence-based framework that has been widely adopted as an effective approach to implementing integrated, patient-centered care delivery systems – to employ a rigorous and systematic process of care delivery to a diverse set of patients.

“We are excited about the opportunity to show the world how we’ve been able to serve a diverse patient mix at Nashville General Hospital,” Webb said. “For the past few years, we have shifted our approach from the reactive nature of acute care to an emphasis on prevention, wellness, and disease management. This approach has proven successful, and we look forward to sharing our model on a national stage.”

VITAL is the only national conference that brings together leading essential hospitals and systems to share best practices for care delivery, innovation, and equity. Nashville General Hospital is among 31 presenters selected to explore key issues, including behavioral and population health, hospital financing, patient safety, and quality improvement. Every year, VITAL selects the most inventive healthcare providers to share best practices with top essential hospital and health system administrators across the country.

America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, that hosts the annual VITAL conference.

Nashville Healthcare Center Opens Midtown Location

The Nashville Voice
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Nashville Healthcare Center Opens Midtown Location

Healthcare professionals and other community members gathered Monday for a ribbon cutting and open house signifying the opening of Nashville Healthcare Center – Midtown, a modern facility at 1919 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 101.

Under the care of Monica Davis, MD, and Taura Long Nashville Healthcare Center – Midtown is the third Nashville Healthcare Center and will provide primary care to Midtown, City Heights, North Gulch, Sylvan Heights, the Nations, Capitol View, Sylvan, and Charlotte Park. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

(l-r) Dr. Monica Davis, Former Representative Gray Moore, Dr. Taura Long
(l-r) Dr. Monica Davis, Former Representative Gray Moore, and Dr. Taura Long

Following a meet & greet, guests were welcomed by Dr. Joseph Webb who acknowledged the elected officials in attendance and introduced The Nashville Healthcare Center – Midtown’s care team.

Remarks were given by Tennessee Rep. Reverend Dr. Harold Love, Jr.

The Nashville Healthcare Center – Midtown will provide both routine, same-day and urgent appointments for primary care, preventive services and chronic disease management, as well as annual wellness visits.

For more information about the Nashville Healthcare Centers, visit www.nashvillehealthcarecenter.com or call 615-341-4419.

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom

The Nashville Voice
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Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom

The celebration of Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.

Now, for those of you who paid attention in history class, you’ll recall that President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation which declared “all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free,” went into effect on January 1, 1863.  Side note: This is where the tradition of joining together for Watch Night Service on New Year’s Eve originated.

The Proclamation also announced the acceptance of black men into the Union Army and Navy, where they join in the fight for the liberation of their people.

In Texas, however, the Emancipation Proclamation had minimal impact for two and a half years. Whether it was due to the reduced number of Union troops in the state were unable to enforce the new Executive Order, a messenger was murdered en route to Texas with the news of freedom, or the news was intentionally withheld so slave owner could capitalize on one last cotton harvest using slave labor,  the 250,000 slaves in Texas were already free—but none of them were aware of it.

Union General Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865—two months after President Lincoln was assassinated – to enforce the Executive Order.

IMPORTANT ORDERS BY GEN. GRANGER.

THE SLAVES ALL FREE.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, GALVESTON, Texas, June 19, 1865.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 3. — The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, “all slaves are tree.” This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.

Nearly 100 years later, Juneteenth was not widely recognized. On June 19, 1968, civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Ralph Abernathy organized the Poor People’s March focused on economic justice and reigniting Juneteenth as people who attended the march took the celebrations back to their home states.

OPINION: The TEA on Glen Casada

Mariah Williams
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OPINION: The TEA on Glen Casada

In the past few months, you may have heard Glen Casada’s name more often than not. Casada succeeded Beth Harwell as Speaker of the House in January of this year, making him the third most powerful man in the State of Tennessee under the Governor and the Speaker of the Senate. While he has only held the position for six months, he has been entangled in enough controversy to make his short tenure memorable – for all the wrong reasons.

A slew of poor decisions caused Casada’s downfall. He locked Democratic lawmakers inside the capitol chambers in an attempt to force a vote on a newly formed committee to review a controversial bill that would reexamine Medicaid funding. Casada had not appointed a single Democrat to the committee, a move that signaled his true intent for the bill’s consideration.

He defended his Chief of Staff, Cade Cothren, when news coverage of racist text messages emerged. Cothren even altered an email from an African-American activist who had asked to meet with the Speaker. Casada continued to defend Cothren when the highly paid Chief of Staff admitted to using cocaine inside a legislative office building.

Casada’s support of Cothren couldn’t hold together when it was revealed that Casada and Cothren exchanged sexually explicit text messages about women, some of whom worked as interns and legislative aids in Casada’s office. Initially, Casada denied the messages. However, he later admitted that he had indeed sent the messages.

Lastly, Casada was accused of attempting to influence the House Ethics Committee proceeding concerning the scandals that engulfed him.

On May 20th, the Republican caucus submitted a vote of no confidence in response to Casada’s leadership. The next day, Casada announced that he would resign. It was welcome relief to Democrats who arguably never had confidence in the Speaker and for Republicans who were now ready to move past the continued controversy. What happened next is a break from the norm. Casada not only failed to announce his resignation date, he went on a European vacation with not a word about what would happen when he returned. That left the general public in waiting, unsure of the stability of the State House’s political leadership.

Recently, Casada announced that he will indeed resign on August 2nd, his 60th birthday and a long two and a half months after news of his moral, if not illegal, shortcomings that prompted him to initially announce his resignation. The prolonged resignation date is not an innocuous decision, and it isn’t even an uncanny birthday present. It allows him and others time to run for the seat that he will vacate – at least that’s what some leaders of the GOP have begun to speculate. Although the House rules are clear on the succession of the Speaker, some think that a special election would prompt the appointment of a Speaker handpicked by Casada.

When trust in government is already low, actions by our elected officials that fall well outside the realm of acceptable behavior are especially despicable. Casada continues to show what we are becoming accustomed to at the national level. We should all expect more of one another.

The New Kid on the Buchanan Block

Keosha Thomas
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The New Kid on the Buchanan Block

There is a new kid on the block in the historic Buchanan District! His name is Wendell Sturdivant and he is a king of many trades. He is a CEO with a real estate and construction company called Empire Realty and Construction. Additionally, he owns Elevate Mind, Body, and Goals (MBG) and has designed a hot new internet cafe and event space called, “Elevate Cafe.” Essentially, the site will offer various opportunities as a work space for creatives and rising entrepreneurs to showcase their special talents and serve as a chic private event location.

Check out our exclusive interview with the new kid on the block below:

Name:
Wendell Sturdivant

Business name:
ELEVATE Mind, Body, and Goals (MBG) and Empire Realty and Construction

Mission/Goals:
ELEVATE

In this space my goal is to ELEVATE, inspire, and build a community of urban professionals. My goal is to help support the dreams, natural talents, and gifts of anyone who has a vision. I desire for everyone to become the best ​YOU, and I believe given the proper resources and tools each of us can have whatever we like;​ ​However, we must start with ELEVATING our MINDS, BODY, AND GOALS

EMPIRE REALTY AND CONSTRUCTION

At EMPIRE my mission is to encourage revitalization verses gentrification in urban areas. I plan to remodel and build new homes for low-income families to allow them to have a healthier living environment. At Empire our slogan is Building your empire with EMPIRE because no matter the size of your investments your family is your EMPIRE!

Educational background:
UTC/MTSU
I went to college 4 years then decided to teach myself

Charities or organizations your involved in:
I Built a home for Habitat For Humanity. I am a member of Nashville Chamber of Commerce and the Black Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

Top 3 keys to your personal success are:
Love + Patience + Persistence = Success.

Hobbies:
Spending time with my family, exercising, traveling, playing basketball, swimming, elevating and inspiring people, going to the movies, watching POWER, concerts and attending Motivational Seminars

Favorite sports team in NBA Finals:
Wherever Lebron James is, but I’m pulling for The Raptors to win the 2019 Championship.

You are the new kid on the block per say what did it mean for you to move Empire Realty and Construction to the Buchanan district?
It actually has been the largest risk of my entire career, but it’s the most rewarding to my spirit and heart! I think anyone being able to take their natural ability or education and apply it to help others ELEVATE their MIND, BODY, and GOALS is a life well worth living!

Tell us about your company and how you got your start:
Empire Realty and Construction is a real estate brokerage for real estate agents to list and help buyers find homes. We also do new construction and home remodels. I actually have been in this business since birth. My grandfather was a carpenter and so was my dad, both built homes and remodeled homes, but they were not able to monetize it well enough to establish a real business. I learned how to build a home from the ground up by the age of 13. I always said I would never be in real estate because they never made any money. At the age of 24 I decided I was going to head in the direction of my family roots and learn the selling side of real estate first because those where the guys that made most of the clean money. I enrolled in school graduated and got my real estate license, the rest is history.

What is your vision for your company?
To become the largest real estate developer in the nation and to be able to fund programs like ELEVATE around the nation.

How does your business give back to the Black Community?
We empower the community by bringing in activities that help with developing the mind, body, and goals of individuals. Our goals is to help create activities that allow people to express themselves in: Art, song, yoga/meditation, poetry, spoken word, sports, eats, and more. So we created the ELEVATE Cafe to give people a working space to develop any idea.

Where can we find you on social media?
@EmpireRealtyandConstruction – IG,FB
@Elevatembg – IG,FB
@Wendellssturdivant- IG,FB

Favorite Book and Why?
The Holy Bible, because it’s my favorite leadership book. The teachings of Jesus shows me how to be a better man each day. His example sets the bar high!

Who is your mentor and how have they helped shape your career?
JESUS

What is your advice for anyone who wishes to get into the realtor or business sector or even become an entrepreneur?
My advice is to go with what you know. Stay in your lane! Take some time and write what you are passionate about and what comes kind of easy to you. For me it was leadership, carpentry, sports, and bringing talent together. Strive to become the best at whatever you choose. Also, remember you will come to a cliff at some point in your life and you will have to jump and test your wings one day.

For more information on Wendell Sturdivant visit: https://www.empirerealtor.com/ or call 615-678-1294.

DuVernay series exposes judicial corruption

Ron Wynn
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DuVernay series exposes judicial corruption

Ava DuVernay has done the nation a service with her brilliant miniseries “When They See Us,” now airing on Netflix. It’s based on an ugly 1989 case that led to multiple coerced

Ron Wynn
Ron Wynn

confessions and false convictions, ruining the lives of five young males of color. It begins in 1989, when five teens from Harlem are arrested and prosecuted. A white woman jogging through Central Park was brutally raped, who didn’t then and doesn’t today remember who did it. But the five young men who were arrested got tortured and brutalized to the point they admitted guilt. They were subsequently convicted by juries of rape, assault and related crimes in two 1990 trials. The oldest, 16-year-old Korey was immediately sent to adult prison. All got maximum terms, with the juveniles later shifted over to adult prison.

But it turned out a lone serial rapist admitted his guilt, and DNA evidence, plus other corroborating material, got their sentences vacated. But by that time they had all served their sentences. The state withdrew all charges. DuVernay examines this atrocity through the eyes of its victims, using an ensemble and  recurring cast. The performances, writing, direction and cinematography are all exceptional. The cast includes Jharrel Jerome, Jovan Adepo, Michael K. Williams, Logan Marshall-Green, Joshua Jackson, Blair Underwood, Vera Farmiga, John Leguizamo , Niecy Nash, Aunjuane Ellis, Kylie Bunbury and Felicity Huffman. It was Huffman’s last role before her involvement in the infamous college bribery and admissions scandal was revealed.

Sadly, despite the series’ high quality, DuVernay has been under attack from former Manhattan prosecutor Linda Fairstein (portrayed by Huffman). She claimed in a Wall Street Journal editorial that the series is “so full of distortions and falsehoods as to be an outright fabrication.” Fairstein headed the sex crimes unit of the DA’s office. She’s also reportedly the model used by super producer Dick Wolf for his “Law & Order:Special Victims Unit” show on NBC.

Don’t miss “When They See Us.” Despite what Fairstein claims, DuVernay and company worked directly with the Central Park Five throughout the filming to get as ,much accuracy as possible into the film. It’s also quite interesting that this week New York City awarded the Central Park Five even more money on top of the record breaking settlement they initially received. So much television is for mindless, easy consumption or pleasure. “When They See Us” should make you think, and also you to action, doing whatever you can to prevent a fiasco like this from ruining any more young people’s lives.

Two Tennessee authors pen books inspired by their father, grandfather

Lee Johnson
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Two Tennessee authors pen books inspired by their father, grandfather

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two Tennessee authors have written devotionals that were inspired by their father and grandfather.

In her book, 31 Days of SONshine, Dr. Janice Browne shares inspirational stories from personal experiences she has had with family and friends. One of the individuals that impacted her life was her father, the late Washington Johnson, Sr.

“He was a man of deep conviction, integrity and love,” Browne writes in the Dedication section of the book. “His positive imprint is seen throughout this book, and will positively imprint your life as you read it.”

In the last devotion of the book, Browne writes affectionately about her father’s influence on she and her five other siblings. You might say he had a way of speaking things into existence.

“Whatever he thought he saw in us as a profession would be the name he would call us,” writes Browne, who lives in Whites Creek. “He would refer to my younger brother as ‘Preacher,’ and sure enough he became a preacher. He referred to one of my sisters as ‘Editor,’ and years later she studied journalism and became an editor. The name he had for me was ‘Professor.’ I became a professor in the field of psychology. Each of us acquired professional names and became those professionals – all six of us!”

In his devotional, Wisdom: From Generation 2 Generation, Dr. Fred Batten, Jr., recounts – at times humorously – some of his grandfather’s words of wisdom that he remembered hearing as a child.

“My grandfather, T.D. Wade, Sr., without the title of life coach, planted seeds in the soil of my life which are bearing fruit some 40 years later,” says Batten, who pastors a church in Memphis.

When he was a kid, Batten says he didn’t always understand what his grandfather meant when he said phrases like, Every tub gotta’ stand on its own bottom, and The ground will give what you put in it. But now that he’s older and has experienced decades of life, he understands what his granddad was talking about, and he unpacks his wily wisdom in his book.

“The American culture needs to reclaim the notion of respecting those who are older,” writes Batten. “The purpose and goal of this book is … to open the channels of sharing wisdom from generation to generation.”

https://www.amazon.com/31-Days-SONshine-devotions-reflections/dp/0998824992

https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Generation-Jr-Fred-Batten/dp/1948877015

Eddie George and Steve McNair finally have their jerseys retired by the Tennessee Titans

Mike Patton
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Eddie George and Steve McNair finally have their jerseys retired by the Tennessee Titans

Who is the face of the Tennessee Titans? At this point in time, no one could say it is a member of the current team, but if you ask anyone about the Titans, two names always come to mind: Steve McNair and Eddie George. The Titans honored the team’s most popular players by announcing the retiring of their numbers, 9 and 27, for no one to wear ever again.

The jerseys will officially be retired in a ceremony on Sept. 15th, which will be the home opener for the Titans against the Indianapolis Colts. Both men were giants on the football field, and they were well-known off it, being visible and helping the community.

At the press conference held at Saint Thomas Sports Park, Eddie George seemed to be most happy about the guy he was going to have his number retired with.

“To have it retired with my partner in crime, Steve McNair, it means a lot. We were always joined at the hip during our playing careers. We’ve been through a lot of wars together on and off the football field. To go down to this day, to have our jerseys retired on the same day is huge.”

George would also mention that 2 plus 7 equals 9 and that is was totally appropriate they would get their numbers retired together.

McNair’s widow, Mechelle McNair, delivered a statement via Titans play-by-play man Mike Keith: “Retiring his jersey is a really big deal to us. It is a tangible reminder for me and the boys to know that No. 9 will forever be held in the highest regard in the Titans nation.”

Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk was feeling the emotions when she spoke on George and McNair Wednesday.

“This is a big moment for me personally because I love these guys and I know my dad loved these guys. And he would be so happy and proud that we are honoring them today. This is the highest honor we can bestow on a player and both of them are deserving for their significant contributions to the franchise.”

McNair holds the record for most wins as starter for the Titans as well as is second all-time on the Titans passing yardage list in his eleven years here as a Titans. George, who played for the organization for eight seasons, still holds the all-time yardage and yards from scrimmage records for the Titans organization.

George and McNair’s numbers, 9 and 27, hold the distinction of being the first time those numbers have been retired by any organization. They are the sixth member of the Titans and Oilers organization to have their numbers retired, but they are the second and third to have their numbers retired who were actually members of the team when they came to Nashville, joining Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews.

For the Titans, the words “About time” seem appropriate for McNair and George’s jerseys being retired.

CMA Craig Campbell Celebrity Challenge

Keosha Thomas
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CMA Craig Campbell Celebrity Challenge

The star-studded 7th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge is in the books, and over $35,000 was raised for Fight Colorectal Cancer. Being in the comfort of an air conditioned ballroom in Nashville’s Omni Hotel didn’t stop the smack talk between the 16 artists and celebrities and the players who bid to partner with them. Host Craig Campbell and Country star Jerrod Niemann – who has played in all seven Celebrity Cornhole Challenges – were pitted against each other in the final round. When the last beanbag fell, Craig emerged victorious.

“Once again, the cornhole tournament was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who worked and participated to make it all happen,” said Craig. “I’m so proud of what we’ve done and very excited to see what we’re gonna do. We will eliminate colon cancer one bag toss at a time!”

In addition to Niemann, Jimmie Allen, Lauren Alaina, Adam Craig, Ernest, Trea Landon, Love and Theft’s Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles, Tyler Rich, DeeJay Silver, Anna Vaus, Christen Whitney, Mark Wills and Clay Walker joined Craig, his wife Mindy and their two daughters for the very personal cause. Craig’s father passed away with colorectal cancer at age 36, and he, his friends and family have now raised over $335,000 for Fight Colorectal Cancer.

Elizabeth Barthel, CMA fan from Northern California shares, “I enjoyed this event and meeting all the great country stars. I am a big fan of Craig’s and Jimmie Allen. “

Craig and Mindy’s oldest daughter, Preslee, kicked things off with a beautiful rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Fans and cornhole ringers bid to play with each celebrity, which brought in $10,000. A personal BBQ and concert with Craig brought in $9,000, and auction items including a Traeger Pro Grill, Ole Smokey Moonshine and unique items from Josh Turner, Diamond Rio, Yee Yee, Brett Eldredge and others brought in thousands more.

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